Pioneer: 2007 Vol.54, No.1

Above: Bridge over the White River in Indianapolis, Indiana, on a
site where Zions Camp crossed in 1834. Right: The Embarms
River, where Zions Camp found the rattlesnakes.
and entered the state of Illinois. They traveled through
the little town of Paris and continued on to a branch
of the Embarras River, where they camped for the night.
While here, several of the men found three prairie
rattlesnakes and prepared to kill them. The Prophet
Joseph strongly admonished them not to kill the snakes or
any animals unless it became absolutely necessary in order
to preserve themselves from hunger. The men carried the
snakes on sticks across the creek and let them go.1?
The group kept heading west, camping next on the
Okaw River, where the Prophet testified that they had
the companionship of angels*20 While camping near the
Sangamon River near Decatur, Illinois, members of
the Camp divided up into teams to have a sham battle for
diversion. Heber C. Kimball was injured by a sword on
that occasion. Very near to the area where Zions Camp
stayed is a state park identifying the site of the first home
Abraham Lincoln lived in after moving to Illinois.
On Friday, May 30, the Camp passed through
Springfield, Illinois, and camped on Spring Creek, several
miles west of the city. On Saturday they continued for
some twenty-eight miles, eventually stopping by a small
stream about a mile east of Jacksonville. Since the next
10 PIONEER * Vo 1.54, No A * 2 0 0 7